Feature: The Escape–Day 12–Roll Call

It’s not over yet, but we figured that we should reflect a little on the trip before we all evaporate into our own lives again. We also figured it was about time we introduced the members of The Escape.

The Dohan Strand cabin

DAVE ROTH

What was your involvement on this trip?

Mostly riding, a bit of writing, snapping photos along the way, some brainstorming and some logistics. I also worked with our Oregon and Washington-based supporting partners (Chris King, Stumptown Coffee and SOG Knife and Tool.

How did you get roped into this?

Dan emailed me three weeks before departure and said something along the lines of, “You’d be a good fit for this trip we’re putting together.” I spent ten minutes contemplating it before committing.

What are the nicknames that you have been tagged with during this trip?

Andy has dubbed me “Dave the Rave” and that seems to have stuck. [Editors note: there was also Dave The Blade and Diamond Dave.]

What was your highlight of the trip?

There’s so much to pick from, so this is a difficult question to answer, but if I had to pick one, it’d be our time in Cumberland and Hornby riding with Martin and Jeremy. Those two days really provided me with a fresh and new BC experience. The accommodations, the riding and the company were rad.

Where would you return to first?

Probably Cumberland because of the diversity of trails and the quirky nature of the town. I’d love to come back in the summer to do some more exploring.

Where would you recommend to the rest of the world?

I’d say combine a few of the islands with some cycling. Saturna, Denman and Hornby Islands were pretty spectacular. You are guaranteed fantastic scenery and you’ll see no fewer than three bald eagles daily.

Which person left the biggest impression on you?

Within our team, I’d have to say Andy really put out an amazing level of effort in keeping things together – Humor, much cooking, driving and schlepping gear everywhere really kept things from falling apart. I was also super impressed with Seb and Dan’s level of professionalism in getting the job done while simultaneously being able to have a really good time of it. Outside of our team, it would’ve been Roy Kregosky and Paul Connor – two riders we met in Parksville. I’d ridden with each previously in Oregon and it was awesome to have these two guys show me around their local trails.

What was the most surprising thing about this trip?

The pace and schedule probably shouldn’t have been a surprise, but now that we’re approaching the final day of the trip, I can’t believe we’ve already reached the end. Time flew by, as it usually does when you’re having fun.

What is the biggest lesson you learned on this trip?

Pack less! I should know this by now, but once again I managed to bring too much stuff with me. You can survive longer than you think on a single pair of underwear.

Local bacon

SEB KEMP

What was your involvement on this trip?

I was here to ride my bike and then scramble some words together each night. I also had to browbeat Barham into action every step of the way.

How did you get roped into this?

This might be one time I’ll be happy to admit that it was my fault.

What are the nicknames that you have been tagged with during this trip?

I don’t get saddled with nicknames easily. I tried to get the lads to adopt “Shotgun Seb” but they had the same reaction as everyone else has – they shook their heads and called me another name that I won’t repeat.

What was your highlight of the trip?

Leaving Whistler because I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. I was overwhelmed that this stupid idea had come to fruition and we were on the road. From then on it was a procession of awesomeness.

Where would you return to first?

Cumberland. The riding there is incredible and the community around it is really inspiring. Also, because it’s the mid-point of the loop we adopted I could use that as an excuse to stop in at all the stops again. I could even check out the ones we had to skip.

Where would you recommend to the rest of the world?

I’d recommend people look around their own backyard first. It doesn’t matter where you go; it’s about the journey you have getting there and the people you share that time with. Go searching for the good times first.

Which person left the biggest impression on you?

Every step of the way we met incredibly motivated, passionate and inspiring people. I’ve learned a lot from them all and I hope I can give back to the mountain biking community just as they have.

What was the most surprising thing about this trip?

That it worked. Seriously, there was so much that could have gone wrong.

What is the biggest lesson you learnt on this trip?

That on the seventh day of riding such distances your legs will be shot but then on the eighth you will feel reborn. Keep going till you get better.

DAN BARHAM

What was your involvement on this trip?

I was chief button masher, in charge of pushing various cameras into the faces of the people we met along the way. Once I’m back in Vancouver I’ll be hunkered down editing together our story into a collection of films that’ll be posted beginning in March.

How did you get roped into this?

Seb and I had been looking for an “event” to cover and explore for a while now, seeking something that would let us tell the story of people and places. He came to me with an idea last year to undertake a seemingly crazy schedule of riding. Knowing I’d be safely ensconced in the comfort of a minivan for the duration, I agreed.

What are the nicknames that you have been tagged with during this trip?

There’d been varying levels of insult-based nicknames floating around prior to our second to last day, but one particular incident firmly cemented a nickname for me. While shooting Brown Ridge on Saturna Island, I placed my camera bag on the ground, as I’d done a hundred times before that trip; this time, however, I’d chosen a steep slope below the tight bench-cut trail, high above a ripple of cliffs. Not paying attention, I let the bag of expensive gear go, only to watch it disappear far, far below, destroying most of the equipment contained. “Butter fingers Barham” was born.

What was your highlight of the trip?

The people. Far and away, the people. Meeting riders in new communities, the friendly faces we’ve met and shared a trail with, the beers we’ve shot the shit over, the homes that have opened to welcome us. People are brilliant.

Where would you return to first?

Any of the places we’ve been on our trip – it’d be fantastic to get out there without the camera gear and actually shred some trail, rather than humping a big bag around or hoofing a tripod into the forest.

Where would you recommend to the rest of the world?

Obviously any of the places we’ve been to on our journey, but to be honest you don’t need to make your way over to BC to have the same kind of experience. Why not try it somewhere else? There’s myriad towns across that globe that have the same potential.

Which person left the biggest impression on you?

Hugh Fletcher, who very kindly put us up in Errington. Hugh went above and beyond the call of duty by presenting me with something I’ve been searching for, for a long, long time – a 1996 Rock Shox Judy SL fork. It might not sound like a big deal, but this outdated, underperforming component represented everything I scrimped and saved for when I was the Saturday boy working in a carpet shop, but ultimately couldn’t afford. Seventeen years later, I’ve succeeded – kinda.

What was the most surprising thing about this trip?

That we actually pulled it off, despite all the challenges. That I didn’t punch Seb in the mouth for his consistent shot-ruining wheelie obsession.

What is the biggest lesson you learnt on this trip?

You might think she’s on your side most of the time, but beware – gravity can be a cruel mistress. Keep hold of your camera bag.

Good friends, Katrina Strand and Todd Hellinga, came to join us.

ANDREW ROGERS

What was your involvement on this trip?

I was asked to assist Dan in shooting secondary stills and video. To help document behind the scenes of the film

How did you get roped into this?

Seb and I have been working together on some projects and he called me a week before the trip to ask if I was ‘free’ to help with projects. With a bit of shuffling, I was able to make myself available – this was a trip I did not want to miss.

What are the nicknames that you have been tagged with during this trip?

Actually, I came away fairly unscathed. There were some references to my south of England accent – a bit Lock-Stock-And-Two-Smoking-Barrels’esque, but nothing that I could repeat here. [Editor’s note: We referred to him as “Nova Boy”, because of his lively driving, but we should have made more reference to the fact he would often put his pajamas on at 5 p.m.]

What was your highlight of the trip?

Celebrating my 35th birthday in Cumberland. Riding awesome trails followed by a good feed and a few beers at the Waverley. I love Cumberland, so while it was shitty to be away from my wife and friends back in Vancouver, it was a memorable day.

Where would you return to first?

Hornby Island. Next question?

Where would you recommend to the rest of the world?

This entire area of British Columbia! I would happily recommend any of the stops on this trip – it’s a win, win, win.

Who was the most impressive person you met on this trip?

I think perhaps Roy Kregosky in Errington. If I can be half as full of energy as that guy, I’ll be very happy indeed!

What was the most surprising thing about this trip?

Just how strong Seb and Dave are. These guys pedaled all day, in all weather, to then turn up at the trailhead and shred it, push up and shred it again. Awesome!